The last weekend in January is normally the date for the annual ThaiGer Charity Tournament at the Swiss School in Minburi, so again in 2017.After winning the Tournament already two times in 2011 and 2013 and having no squad last year, we were very eager to put our names for the third time on the Cup donated by the German Embassy Bangkok in 2009.
Rules of this tournament are a little different than usual – Vets age (35 and up) and two players younger than 35 allowed on the 7-a side pitch. So beside the usual available Vets players, we found some interested younger lads to support the goal of winning this one for the 3rd time. Early morning start at 8:15 and all players showed up on time – the will to play a good one could be felt from the first warm-up up to the pre-game speech. Everyone was eager to make this day a successful one. First game vs. our good known friends “Perfect Boyz” was a tough one, as they played very defensive and gave our strikers no space at all. Nevertheless, Thomas scored after about 5 min in the game and started with this goal his superb performance on that day. Some more chances from our side and only one for the opponents – nice job and finally a 1:0 win in the opening game.
Second group game vs Bangkok Hoteliers – a clear one for us with a comfortable 6:0 lead until Cheng decided to score with a perfect header – unlucky in our own goal – final standing 6:1 and on our way to the next group game vs. the team of Siemens – all Thai players who gave us a hard time at the beginning equalizing our early lead to a 1:1 – but after the equalizer the team showed amazing spirit. Julian, Tommy, Cheng scored and some of these goals were simply played and scored in a brilliant way. Final result another 5:1 win. Last group game vs Ruamrudee Intl Teachers – fast paced start and after 8 min it was already a 6:0 lead for us. And one of these occasions happened, that can only happen here in Thailand – the referee decided to stop the game after 8 min as he felt the losing team needs a rest J J J – after some funny comments in was decided to play the rest of the 15 min game but the drive was gone – no further goal and a final result of 6:0.
Semifinal time – Opponents were the team of Jomtien United aka Internazionale Pattaya – they played a good group phase but our team was simply too strong on that day. Superb performance again and a comfortable 3:0 win – the final was reached and after a close game in the other semi-final between iPlay and Perfecy Boyz, the team from iPlay reached the final. We knew this one would be a tough one but after the games so far we were also clear, that only we ourselves can beat us today. But oh – totally different start at this game – a long pass from iPlay, some less concentration and finally a foul as a last chance to prevent a goal ended in a penalty shot for them after just a couple of minutes. No chance for Michael and 0:1 ….. But the reaction of the team was impressive – pressure and only 30 seconds later we got our penalty due to hand ball from an iPlay player. Julian made clear, that only he will do this duty and scored – what he did so many times on this day.
From that moment the GAS machine was working brilliant and beside one other clear chance for iPlay nothing could stop us and the final was won again by 5:1 – a great team performance of the whole team ended in the deserved win on that day. All players, old and young, showed how to make a success like this to happen as a team – of course with great individual performances of all players. The trophies were awarded by H.E. the German Ambassador in Thailand, Mr Peter Pruegel, and the team started a well deserved celebration session. And this time we ended up last – some of our team were literally the last to leave the party zone with live music and German beer.
A big thank you to all players – Julian for an impressive number of goals that day, Thomas for never giving up any ball and also scoring quite a lot number of goals, Tommy for making a great debut in a tournament for GAS, Gerd for playing the probably most nicest pass for a goal during that day, Cheng for not only scoring in our own goal but also on the right side, Tobi, Matteo and Dave for playing a solid Defense and even scoring during the games, Damian for playing well even he had to leave then earlier for work duties, Ronny for a great performance on the pitch, during the photo sessions and at the beer later and Michael for not making any mistakes in goal on that great day.
Well played lads and looking forward to the next one in 2018 !!!